New ‘Mindich Tapes’ Link Top Officials to $100M Energoatom Corruption Case
The recordings are part of the so-called “Midas” case — a money-laundering scheme allegedly orchestrated by businessman and media producer Timur Mindich, reportedly tied to Volodymyr Zelensky.
Kyiv Post
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Freshly released audio recordings published by Ukrainska Pravda appear to tie senior Ukrainian officials and presidential allies to a major corruption probe involving state nuclear company Energoatom.
The recordings are part of the so-called “Midas” case – a large-scale money-laundering scheme that investigators say was orchestrated by businessman Timur Mindich, a media producer long reported to have ties to President Volodymyr Zelensky dating back to their work in entertainment.
Authorities allege the network siphoned off around $100 million in kickbacks from Energoatom, a scandal that has fueled public anger amid wartime energy shortages caused by Russian strikes.
Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies have described the “Midas” case as one of their most high-profile investigations and are seeking the suspects’ return to stand trial.
The newly published “Mindich tapes” – intercepted conversations from July 2025 – allegedly capture Mindich speaking with former presidential adviser Serhiy Shefir, then-Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and a construction manager linked to an elite housing project near Kyiv.
In one recording, Mindich and Shefir discuss former minister Oleksiy Chernyshov, who was under investigation for illicit enrichment at the time. The two appear to reference helping cover his Hr.120 million ($3 million) bail and mention a shared “cash pool.”
The German chancellor said deeper EU integration for Ukraine could be crucial to securing public support for a future peace deal with Russia in which Kyiv might be forced to vote on ceding lands.
Half of that bail was paid by a private company whose director later denied any knowledge of the transaction.
Other parts of the tapes focus on luxury real estate. Mindich is heard discussing construction work at a gated development known as “Dynastia,” where homes were reportedly being built for senior officials and political insiders.
The most sensitive exchange involves Umerov, now secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council.
In the recording, he and Mindich discuss defense industry funding, international contacts, and a potential reshuffle in Ukraine’s leadership – including replacing Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as defense minister.
Mindich also appears to talk about investments in long-range combat drones produced by the company Fire Point, while complaining about lack of state funding.
In one of the conversations, he said that all the money had been invested in “1, 5, and 7.”
“‘First, fifth, seventh’ refer to FP-1, FP-5, and FP-7 — models of long-range strike drones produced by Fire Point. According to multiple investigations, Timur Mindich may be one of the company’s beneficiaries,” investigator Mykhailo Tkach said.
In another moment, he pressures Umerov to resolve issues with body armor supplies that the military had refused to accept.
Umerov has denied any improper influence, saying his meetings with suppliers were routine and that problematic contracts were canceled. He is currently a witness in the case.
